Significant increase in demand – Urgent and Emergency Care
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Dear Colleagues,
The urgent and emergency care system is experiencing a significant increase in pressure this week driven by the recent changes in weather and related presentations. London Ambulance Service is at REAP level 3 and has moved to CSP level Red to ensure they can maximise safety and continue to manage the high number of 999 contacts being made each day and reduce the wait for emergency ambulances.
To help us manage this demand today and over the next few days please can we request support with the following:
- Not to refer patients to 999 unless it is absolutely clinically necessary or the patient has a life-threatening emergency
- Not to refer patients to 111 unless the patient has an immediate urgent need and advise patients to use 111 online or to contact their local pharmacist
- Consider utilising rapid response teams and other alternative care pathways including pharmacies. Only send for an ambulance if it is an emergency
- Ensure that non clinicians are not referring patients to 999 or 111 as an alternative to primary or community care unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Many thanks for your ongoing support.
London Region Urgent Emergency Care Team